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Food & Dairy Joint Annual Meeting with Wisconsin DNR

Thursday, March 12, 2026
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (CDT)

Event Details

The WCMA Technology Committee invites all WCMA members to join this unique opportunity to interface with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and members of the Midwest Food Products Association, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Marriott South in Madison, WI. 

Environmental, water and nutrient issues are in the spotlight at the Food & Dairy Joint Annual Meeting with Wisconsin DNR. This unique meeting pairs regulators and industry professionals in talks designed to advance the technology and regulation of environmental systems in dairy and food. It's a day devoted to collaboration and certified wastewater operators gain continuing education credits while they learn. Join us for a meeting focused on environmental progress!

Agenda At A Glance
  • 9:30 a.m.   Register and Networking
  • 10:00 a.m. Morning Talks
  • 12:00 p.m. Lunch
  • 1:15 p.m.   Afternoon Talks
  • 3:00 p.m.   Adjourn

Click the blue "Register Now" button above to get engaged in this opportunity!

Agenda

March 12
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Register and Network
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Welcome and Introductions WDNR Leadership (To be Announced)
Nick Novak, President, Midwest Food Products Association
John Umhoefer, Executive Director, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Industry Overviews John Umhoefer, WCMA and Nick Novak, MWFPA
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Wisconsin DNR Overview Tim Ryan, Field Operations Director, Water Quality, Wisconsin DNR
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM Necessary Ingredient: Sustainable Water Supply Strategies for the Food and Dairy Industry Adam Freihoefer, Water Use Section Manager, Wisconsin DNR
Madeline Gotkowitz, Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin DNR
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM Status of PFAS Testing and PFAS Legislation Nate Willis, Wastewater Section Manager, Wisconsin DNR
Nick Novak, MWFPA
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM WQT Clearinghouse Update Chris Murphy, Clearinghouse Manager, Wisconsin Water Quality Trading Clearinghouse LLC
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch Break
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM Land Application News and New Outfall for Whey Sold as a Food Steve Warrner, Statewide Landspreading Site Review Coordinator, Water Quality Bureau, Wisconsin DNR
Additional Speaker TBD
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM A Focus on Chloride Reduction Zach Watson, Compliance Engineer, Wastewater Division, Wisconsin DNR
Additional Speaker TBD
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM A Productive Working Relationship with a Municipal Treatment Partner Speakers Invited
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Closing Q&A
3:00 PM Adjourn

For More Information:

John Umhoefer
John Umhoefer
Executive Director Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (608)286-1001
Thank you to our generous sponsors!


Interested in connecting with attendees?

Sponsorships of this meeting are available now through March 9, 2026, including complimentary registration and recognition. Don't miss this opportunity to reach new audiences and show your support for the dairy processing industry!

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